Andy Titus

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283 small block turbo 400 new process 208 dodge, 9.25 Dana 44 boxed frame. Reversed shackles, custom frame front with deleted crossmember, dodge ramcharger steering custom transfer crossmember with skid plate 26 gallon aluminum tank spring over axle power everything steering brakes seats windows vent windows removed power cowl vent air conditioned insulated custom sunroof and headliner pneumatic hatch lifts custom tailgate latches custom tailgate and hatch hinges no piano hinges frenched license plate frenched out 48 Chevy tail lights custom wheel well openings to fit 6″ flares front fenders widened to fit wider axles and extended into full length running boards tilt custom wheel auto meter gauges be cool aluminum radiator with hand laid custom shroud removable plastic front inner fender wells. Probably missed something! Started when my wife bought this as a beater to use for gardening and dogs. Turned into an all out custom that we are enjoying taking out cruising on weekends and to local shows, where we have won several trophies! My first vehicle was a 69 CJ-5 when I was 16 in 1980. I also built a 47 CJ-2A with a Pontiac 400 auto trans and 35″ tires with Detroit lockers that was scary fast. Sold it when I bought my first house.

I hand built my fender/running boards at my friends garage. I cut the fenders one inch out from the body and added a 6″ piece of steel to that, then welded the fender back on. The running boards we bent the rounded edge onto some sheet metal using the curve on a post-formed countertop and lots of clamps and angle iron. They were then cut to fit the fender end and welded to it. There is square steel welded along the inside edge of the running board for rigidity and a bracket from the body mount that provides support for that.
The rear flares are bushwhacked xenon flares for a wrangler. I clamped them where I wanted them and went from there. I welded a piece of 3/16 rod to the body (low part) panel to follow the shape of the fender flare with a margin like the body would have. Then I removed the flare and welded a piece of flat metal to the rod, carefully bending it over the rod and welding it in the fillet where it meets the body sheet metal. Then I cut a curve into the new sheet metal to make the tire opening. I used a small piece of bar stock, 3/4″ x 1/8″ I think, and bent it to a curve to meet the cutout. I welded that on the corner to make a lip on the opening for stiffness. Then I drilled and bolted on the flares. The weld fillet at the old body was filled with filler, not much, and painted. The effect I was looking for was as if the body had been made for this setup, with the contours flowing around it properly. There was a lot of measuring and looking and checking during the welding process to keep it all looking good. It was a lot of work, but I’m glad people like it.

Andy, we love your wagon. Our project is a 1962 wagon with 3/4 ton 4X4 running gear with YJ springs and a stroked 383 chevy with a blower. I am in need of ideas to put the tires under some fenders. Until I saw your beautiful willys. Our tires stick out much further than the original fenders and we love how you did yours along with the running boards. Could you tell me where I can find such fenders (front and rear) / running boards or how you fabricated them. Thanks so much, Rob

Andy,
I had to go back and fourth through all of your pictures over and over, each time I saw more that you have done with this project. I am just not a Willys Wagon guy but yours is just over the top for me. Would to see it in person, just cant imagine. Did you have a build that you published on a site somewhere. What wonderful wonderful work.

Your wagon looks great one of the nicest ive seen. Im in the works of building my own show wagon, I have a 4 ink in the rear with a 3 link in the front ive got a 502 chevy crate motor in it with a heavy duty turbo 350 and a atlas transfer case everything is all in right now but have to do a lot of little things. Then the body work so ive been looing on the internet for different ideas on rear fenders reason for I have a 14 bolt rear end and a dana 60 front so they are a little wider then the stock. I seen your fenders and really like them so was wondering to get some more pictures from you to maybe make something like them for my wagon.

Thanks Gene,
I do have more pictures but they are on a camera on a different computer etc. As soon as I can get them sent in I will. This winter I’ve been replacing the rear springs for a little more lift and rake. Had to change up on exhaust, fuel pump, shocks, bump stops, ladder bars, sway bars, perches, u-bolts and plates, limiting straps, and rolled the pinion up for a CV driveshaft. Raised the fill hole for higher capacity as well. Just a few more small parts and ill be ready for spring! This summer ill probably put on a set of 35″ tires also. You can email if you have any questions, my address is in my previous reply. Again, thanks for the interest.

your wagon is a beauty. Ive got a wagon and a truck. The truck is what Im working on at the moment . I noticed you did several things that I was going to do on mine ,like the running boards and the wood dash. do you have more pics that you could share . thanks

Andy great looking Willy’s wagon,what did you use for the running boards and rear fenders? I would like to see some pictures of inside and back of your wagon . I have a 1950 2 wheel drive project going on . I would very munch like to talk to you some time . If you would email me we could talk. thank for your time.